Karachi police on Monday disrupted a planned rally by MQM-London (MQM-L) near its former headquarters in Azizabad to mark the party’s martyrs’ day, detaining several workers and leaders.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi confirmed that 24 MQM-L workers were taken into custody following the imposition of a ban on rallies in the Central district earlier in the day. The arrests were made under Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings of four or more people. SSP Siddiqi stated that an FIR would be registered against those detained.
Section 144 is a legal measure enabling district administrations to temporarily restrict assemblies to maintain public order. SSP Siddiqi clarified that no baton charges were used during the operation. However, video footage circulating on social media showed a large contingent of police apprehending protesters near Mukka Chowk in Azizabad.
The detentions drew criticism on social media from individuals and politicians affiliated with MQM-L. Many condemned the police action, highlighting what they described as unjustified use of force to suppress peaceful demonstrations.
According to a notification issued by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, the additional inspector general of police had raised concerns in a December 8 letter about the potential for “miscreants and disgruntled elements” to disrupt peace in the Central district.
In response, Karachi police requested the enforcement of Section 144 to restrict activities such as pillion riding, protests, demonstrations, rallies, and public assemblies of more than four people to prevent any untoward incidents in District Central.
The notification further stated that these restrictions would remain in effect until Tuesday.
